Exxon Mobil Corp. announced today that its subsidiary, Esso Exploration International Limited, and Mitra Energy Limited (MEL) have entered into an agreement to explore for hydrocarbons in the deepwater Sandakan Basin southwest of the Philippine Islands.


Under terms of the recently signed farm-in agreement, an ExxonMobil affiliate has acquired a 50% operating interest in Block SC 56. MEL retains a 50% equity interest in the block and will operate the 2-D seismic acquisition phase of the exploration program.


"We are pleased to add this prospective acreage to our global portfolio and to have this opportunity to enter the oil and gas industry in the Philippines," said Steve Greenlee, vice president of Esso Exploration International Limited. "We look forward to working with Mitra as we explore for potential commercial resources in the block."


The oil exploration agreement covers approximately two million acres and is subject to approval by the Philippines Department of Energy.


"This agreement aligns with our global business strategy to pursue business opportunities around the world that meet our investment criteria," stated Greenlee.


Exxon Mobil Corporation is a leading international energy company whose subsidiaries have operations in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world. In the Asia-Pacific region, ExxonMobil has major exploration and production operations in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. The company also has a significant refining and marketing presence in more than 12 countries in the region.

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